1. Rules and tips for un-mixing up words

2. Quiet- (adj.) of little activity (n.) tranquility or silence (v.) to cause to be quiet Examples: After lunch the children enjoyed an hour of quiet play. (adj.) We enjoyed the quiet of the countryside. (n.) The leader quieted the protesters so the mayor could be heard. (v.) Quite- (adv.) totally or completely Example: She was quite exhausted after exercising. (adv.)

3. There- represents a place (specified or unspecified) or existence Examples: The students are over there. (specified place) There are 99 balloons. (unspecified place) There are 99 balloons left in the store. (existence—place later specified in the store) They’re- a shortened version of they are with an apostrophe. Example: They’re playing basketball at the park after school. Their- used to show possession Tip: If you can use our instead of their, then the correct form is their Example: Can you pass out their books?

4. It’s- a contraction for it is or it has Examples: It’s my favorite color. It’s been a long time. Its- indicates possession Examples: The class made its decision. Its title was deceptive.

5. You’re- a contraction for you are Examples: You’re going to struggle with putting that puzzle together. I’m going to complete the drawing, and you’re going to paint it when I’m finished. Your- indicates possession Examples: In the baking competition, your cookies were the best! Your mother called to tell you that she would be late.

6. Who’s- a contraction for who is or who has Examples: Who’s been to New Orleans before? Who’s watching television in there? Whose- indicates possession Examples: Whose bike is this? She knows whose backpack that belongs to.

7. Affect- (v.) to produce a change in or influence something Examples: The amount of snow we receive will affect the likelihood that we will have a snow day. Music affects my concentration level. Effect- (n.) a change that occurred Can also be used as a verb Examples: The effect of caffeine on him was that he was much more hyper. The new law prohibiting texting while driving will go into effect tomorrow.

8. Farther- used for physical distance Tip: Farther= far Examples: How much farther? The hospital isn’t much farther. Further- used for metaphorical, or figurative, distance Examples: Before we read any further, please answer the prompt. How do I further my education?

9. Who- used when talking about the subject (the person doing the action) of the clause Example: Who ate the apple? Whom- used when talking about the object (the person receiving the action) of the clause Example: He kicked the ball to whom? Tip to use: Ask yourself whether the answer would be “him” or “he” Him=whom Example: Whom do you love? I love him. He=who Example: Who broke the pencil? He broke the pencil.